Thwaites fires in final quarter for victorious Diamonds

STRONG FINISH: Bendigo's Caitlin Thwaites was instrumental in the Diamonds' brilliant last quarter against the Silver Ferns in Sydney. Picture: PATRICK THWAITES

A STRONG final quarter from Bendigo’s Caitlin Thwaites has helped Australia to an unassailable lead in the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand.

The Diamonds lead the four-game series 3-0 following a 55-43 victory in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

After their 12-goal half time lead was whittled down to just four at the final change, Diamonds coach replaced captain Caitlin Bassett with Thwaites at goal shooter and gave Kate Moloney a debut at centre in place of Kim Ravaillion.